Minister Encourages Anglers to be Aware of Defective Salmon Tags and to Practice Responsible Angling Activities This Season

The Department of Environment and Conservation wishes to advise anglers in the province that recently distributed salmon angling tags that accompany salmon angling licences issued by the Wildlife Division have defects. The licences and tags were distributed to vendors and subsequently purchased by anglers before the defects were discovered.

“This is a very unfortunate set of circumstances that we did not expect to encounter at the start of this salmon angling season. We are currently working to determine whether there are remedial steps possible for the remainder of the angling season. Anglers can still use the tags that are supplied with salmon licences , however, we expect all anglers to practice responsible angling activities despite any issue they may possibly encounter with faulty tags which are attached to salmon for retention purposes.” - The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Defects are related to the locking mechanism and the quality of the card portion, which contains the licence number, colour coding and calendar sequencing which records the date of retention. Further information on the defects may be found in the backgrounder below.

If, despite being checked by licence vendors, an individual discovers a tag to have a defective locking mechanism they should return the tag to the vendor from which they purchased it and receive a replacement licence and tags.

“Our Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division officers and other enforcement agencies involved in protecting salmon stocks within the province are aware of the issues presented by the distribution of defective tags. Our officers will work with resident and non-resident anglers to ensure awareness exists concerning these defects and to ensure anglers use these tags in a manner that is consistent with the legislation. Officers will continue to investigate occurrences of tampering or improper use of tags not related to the defects, which are offences under the Wild Life Regulation and where necessary and appropriate charges could be laid.”- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety

Wildlife Officials have been in contact with angling conservation groups and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and explained the circumstance. All parties are committed to working together on ensuring conservation remains a priority.

Further information is available through the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025.

Defects are related to the locking mechanism and the quality of the card portion, which contains the licence number, colour coding and calendar sequencing which records the date of retention.

If, despite being checked by licence vendors, an individual discovers a tag to have a defective locking mechanism they should return the tag to the vendor from which they purchased it and receive a replacement licence and tags.

Anglers are advised to take caution when handling and attaching tags to a salmon and to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the tag is marked properly when used for retention purposes.

Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice and Public
Safety
709-729-6985, 725-4165lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Overview of Salmon Angling Tag Defects

Defect 1: Tags have been discovered with faulty locking mechanisms where the tag strap does not have the proper end necessary to lock the tag closed. Licence vendors have been asked to check tags prior to being sold and return affected tags to Wildlife Division for a refund. If, despite being checked by licence vendors, an individual discovers a tag to have this defect they should return the tag to the vendor from which they purchased it and receive a replacement licence and tags.

Defect 2: Tags have been discovered where the card portion, which contains the licence number, color coding and calendar sequencing which records the date of retention, can be broken with moderate handling, and with less than excessive force. Anglers are advised to take caution when handling and attaching tags to a salmon and to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the tag is marked properly when used for retention purposes. If the tag inadvertently breaks during use and subsequent transport, anglers are asked to retain all portions of the tag until they return to their place of residence.